UPDATE – GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION REMOVING THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENT FOR REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS IN EXTENDED FUNCTIONS TO COMPLETE A CLINICAL AND/OR PRACTICAL EXAMINATION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022. Show
Senate Bill (SB) 607 (Min, Chapter 367, Statutes of 2021) was signed by Governor Newsom on September 28, 2021, and will become effective on January 1, 2022. Among other things, this bill removes the clinical and/or practical examination requirements to become a California Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF). Effective January 1, 2022, the Dental Board of California (Board) may license as an RDAEF a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of all the following eligibility requirements:
The Board worked with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Professional Examination Services (OPES) to conduct an occupational analysis of the RDAEF profession. Based on the results of the occupational analysis, a new RDAEF written examination will be launched on January 1, 2022, that will incorporate additional content that measures competencies related to cord retraction and final impression, which were previously measured by the practical and clinical examinations. RDAEF applicants who have already taken and passed the current RDAEF written examination will not be required to take the new exam. The Board continues to accept and process applications for RDAEF licensure. Applicants who submit complete applications will be issued eligibility to take the current RDAEF Written Examination. However, licenses will not be issued to those who successfully complete the current RDAEF Written Examination until after January 1, 2022, when the requirement for the clinical and/or practical examination is removed. For those who currently have an application on file with the Board for RDAEF licensure, the Board will be:
Effective January 1, 2022, applicants for RDAEF licensure will be required to take the new RDEAF Written Examination. Additional information regarding this new RDAEF Written Examination will be forthcoming. Please check the Board’s website for updates, including a new candidate information bulletin. Candidates who fail the current RDAEF Written Examination and retake the examination after January 1, 2022, will be required to take the new RDAEF written examination. Please note, examinee scores for the new RDAEF written examination will be held pending evaluation of examination performance. The Board anticipates having the results released by mid-February 2022. As a result of these changes, the Board anticipates an increase in the number of phone, email, and mail inquiries relating to RDAEF licensure. Please note that such inquiries may take 4-5 business days for response. Please check the Board’s website for updated information. Additionally, the Board encourages all interested parties to subscribe to Board email notifications . How to Become a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
Reciprocity is not offered to practice as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) in California. All persons wishing to perform the functions of an RDAEF in California must complete the licensure process described below. Application and Examination RequirementsOn and after January 1, 2010, the Dental Board of California (Board) may license as an RDAEF a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of all the following eligibility requirements:
Effective January 1, 2022, the Dental Board of California (Board) may license as an RDAEF a person who submits written evidence, satisfactory to the Board, of all the following eligibility requirements:
Once this process is completed and an applicant is found to be qualified for licensure, a pocket identification card and wall certificate are issued. There is no license fee required for the initial license other than the initial application and examination fees. LinksFor more information, please call (916) 263-2300 or email .
Dental assistants work in private dentists' offices, hospitals and clinics, for dental suppliers and even for the public health authority. If you'd like to become a dental assistant, you can be trained on the job by a qualified dental assistant and a licensed dentist, but, increasingly, potential employers are requiring more formal training. A dental assistant can function as a dentist's third hand, preparing materials for impressions, processing X-rays, sterilizing and preparing instruments, and looking after some of the office's administrative tasks. As such, dental assistants deal directly with patients. Because of the nature of the job, dental assistants need to be reliable, good with using their hands and get on well with people. If this sounds like the job for you, continue reading to learn how to become a dental assistant [source: ADA].
You are now ready to get a job as a dental assistant.
SRJC Dental Assisting Certificate-Year-to-Career ProgramABOUT DENTAL ASSISTING:The dental assistant takes on significant responsibility as a member of the dental health-care team. Registered Dental Assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. The duties of a California registered dental assistant (RDA) are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. They perform many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Responsibilities include:
In addition to clinical responsibilities, those who prefer the business office can have administrative functions, such as a scheduling coordinator, an insurance processor, treatment and financial coordinator and as an office manager. Video: ABOUT DENTAL ASSISTINGA Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is a health professional licensed in the State of California who typically works chairside with patients, assisting the dentist and or working independently performing duties within the scope of practice deemed appropriate by the Dental Board of California. Additionally they may work in the front office, or in a dental laboratory, community clinics, as a dental product representative or as an educator in the college setting. After graduating from Santa Rosa Junior College Dental Assisting program they are able to take the state licensing exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and they may also become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by taking the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. DENTAL ASSISTING at SRJC:
PROGRAM GOALS:The Allied Dental Programs curriculum creates an environment in which students are stimulated to learn, to grow personally, to develop decision making, ethical, and problem solving skills, and to stimulate creative and independent thinking. Students will achieve professional and personal growth through application of classroom knowledge in clinical, laboratory and community settings. To provide an education that reflects academic excellence and which serves the variety of needs and abilities of our students-
PROGRAM COMPETENCIES:Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:
Career Opportunities:The SRJC dental Assisting Program is a 2018 CA State Community College Chancellor’s office gold Star Award winner. This award is given to career and technical education courses who show outstanding post-college outcomes in: Employment, Earnings Gain and Regional Living Wage. SRJC Dental Assisting Graduates achieve: 100% employment in their field, have an 161% increase in earnings, and 73% attain the regional living wage The Registered Dental Assistant is able to find employment in various settings depending on their particular interest. Whether it be in a general office setting, a specialty office, a hospital, a community dental clinic, or in a dental school. There are many opportunities to learn and grow as a team member in these settings. Being a licensed dental professional allows the RDA to wear many hats with the possibilities not quite limitless allowing them to work in positions such as a dental product salesperson, an office manager, scheduling coordinator, insurance clerk, a consultant or as a teacher in the community college setting. Graduates of community colleges are in great demand and are often hired even before they finish the dental assisting program. Students are encouraged to further their knowledge, skills and education opening many more doors and opportunities for advancement in the field. Looking to the future they can pursue their Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions 2 (RDAEF2) license by completing additional schooling through a dental school or completing prerequisites and applying to attend dental hygiene or dental school. Accreditation and Licensure:After successfully passing the California state RDA exam, the RDA is licensed in California by the Dental Board of California. Upon completion of the dental assisting program graduates may also become a Certified Dental Assistant, which requires the applicant to take and pass an exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. This certification is recognized throughout the United States. Students graduating from the dental assisting certificate program at Santa Rosa Junior College receive a comprehensive education in California Registered Dental Assisting duties and are eligible to take the California RDA exam upon graduation. Licensure Note:In accordance with state law, the Dental Board of California (DBC) may deny licensure for crimes substantially related to the practice of dental assisting. This includes convictions involving sex crimes, drug crimes (including DUI), and crimes of violence. It is the responsibility of the applicant to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation to the DBC prior to licensure application. Click here for: Frequently Asked Questions Contact:Jennifer Poovey, Director, Dental Assisting Programs Phone: (707) 535-3788 E-mail: |